The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued a warrant to arrest Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is currently in hiding overseas.
The warrant has been issued through Interpol over Weeratunga’s involvement in the controversial MiG deal, following a request made to the court by the FCID currently investigating the case.
Weeratunga is alleged to have committed financial fraud during the purchase of several MiG Aircrafts for the Air Force during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s term. Reports say he is residing in Ukraine. However during Rajapaksa’s visit to Thailand mid this year, Weeratunga flew to meet the former President. Weeratunga, is Rajapaksa’s first cousin.
The controversial MiG 27 deal was first revealed by Sunday Times Defence Correspondent and Senior Journalist Iqbal Athas in December 2006 and further exposed in The Sunday Leader then edited by murdered Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.
It was revealed in the front page report of The Sunday Times dated 03.12.2006 that four MiG 27s purchased in 2006 had been on the market for several years. They had lain in disuse since 1991 and were repaired by Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant before being sold to Sri Lanka. In fact, in 2000, three of these planes had been rejected by SLAF on two different occasions.
Firstly on May 25, 2000, when the SLAF purchased four MiG 27 aircrafts at US$ 1.5 million each, and next on October 24, 2000 when two more MiG 27 aircraft were purchased for US$ 1.6 million each. Thus, it appears that these very same MiG 27 aircraft had earlier been rejected by the SLAF in 2000 were purchased in 2006 at a cost of US$ 2.462 million each.
On the basis of The Sunday Times news report on March 11, 2007 Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi, two key minsters who broke away from the Rajapaksa government made complaint to the Bribery Commission alleging corruption part of the Presiden’ts brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Following the complaint the Ministry of Defence issued a statement on March 22, 2007, titled “MiG 27-Inside Story”. This statement is false in many aspects. On of the main issues is the MOD refers this procurement is as a deal between the producer government ( Ukraine ) and the Government of Sri Lanka. This statment is false for the following reasons. Ukrinmash from SLAF purchased these aircrafts is the self-supporting Foreign Trade Investment Subsidiary of UKPSPETSEXPORT – the State company responsible for the export of military products. Such organisation does not fall within the parameters of a government to government contact.
Under a Government to Government deal, monies must be paid to the relevant bank account of the Government or a Government Institution. The MiG purchase monies were not paid to a bank account of ukrimash in Ukraine either. Instead payments were made to the account of UK company named Billimissa Holdings. Belimissa Holdings Limited is a party of the contact sign by the MOD. So the MOD is deliberately lied to the public to cover up this fraud. However, Interpol Headquarters in 2015 confirmed that there was no company called Bellimissa Holdings Limited in the United Kingdom.
Weeratunga, was the main broker of the MiG Deal.
Sunil / October 20, 2016
Finally seeking the help of INTERPOL….
Hope to see them being involved in more of these Rajapaksas criminal cases to bring a swift end to them.
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Sam Fernando / October 20, 2016
I have two key questions
a) As to why the case extended sofar -not even not being able to set the entry in term sof getting him through INTERPOLE ?
Besides, the deal and its gravity of corruption handlign was known to us all from day one -huge sums though fated their pockets but people suffered even suffering today.. not being able to face the living costs
b)Why the man was though reported to have met with MR in Thailand 3 months ago – was not investigated yet ….. why this took that long ?
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S.Modaya / October 21, 2016
Lasantha Wickramatunge was killed because of his expose of the MIG deals.
Why did it take so long to get this corrupt Jarapassa family member even on the list? Who is and was blocking it – Wijedasa Jarapassa, so called Minister of Justice of the Miracle of Modayas, Gota’s Avant Guard buddy?!
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Sam Fernando / October 21, 2016
This was also part of the information former Presiden CBK too shared in that regard. However, that was an example Athigaru to have been green eyed monster -since reports also proved, MR has so called close contacts with the deseased, even Lasantha had addressed MR by his first name Mahinda.
These green eyed monsters and their true colours are still miles away from the average people of this country.
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Amarasiri / October 20, 2016
RE: The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued a warrant to arrest Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is currently in hiding overseas.
“The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued a warrant to arrest Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is currently in hiding overseas.”
“Weeratunga is alleged to have committed financial fraud during the purchase of several MiG Aircrafts for the Air Force during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s term. “
Let the Law take its own course with NO political interference and jabbering by Gon Siriisena Gamarala, as has been the case last week.
The whole Rajapaksa clan is involved, and the traitot, Quisling Gon Siriisena Gamarala is triong tp protect them All.
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Don Stanley / October 21, 2016
This is just a media show!
One step forward and 10 steps back wards! Senadipatti Gota’s Avant Guard crook has been given a year to live abroad and not a single Jarapassa family member has been convicted for crime despite massive piles of evidence against Yoshita, Namal, Basil, Gota, and Nishantah Wickramasinghe.
Basically Gota and Mahidna Jarapassa the kings of crime and corruption are winning with both Sira and Ranil’s help while the media show to keep the moda masses happy with Jarapalanaya continues!
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Ben Hurling / October 20, 2016
Can you imagine this uneducated, criminal represented our nation for nearly 10 years in one of the most important capitals in the world?
What a collosal waste of our resources. What about the lost opportunties for Sri Lanka? What a crime against our country and her people.
We should actually not go after this idiot. It is futile, even if we land this guy in jail.
We should batter the balls of those scumbags, who had the audacity to appoint this clown to Moscow as diplomat.
Cheers!
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Amarasiri / October 20, 2016
Ben Hurling
“Can you imagine this uneducated, criminal represented our nation for nearly 10 years in one of the most important capitals in the world?”
What do you think of the current President Gon Sirisena Gamarala who is representing the Nation Globally and Protecting the Crooks, Criminals and cronies Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Mahinda Rajapaksa, and others Wholesale, have become a Traitor, Quisling to 6.2 million voters?
From the Bulath Vines, Vettila Vines and Grape Vines….
2 hours discussion between president Maithri and culprit Gota ! Maithri’s ‘cyanide’ tale and how he burnt his tail..
Vine News Oct 15, 2016.
President Maithripala Sirisena the ‘great villager’, Gon Gamarala, who had never heard of the tale of of the long living prince ‘ look far without looking near’ even when his aachi (grandmother) was feeding him , related a ‘ cyanide ‘ story which created a feeling of triumph and joy among the brutal corrupt group of scoundrels of the nefarious decade gave a fresh lease of life to them and provided encouragement to more corruption and murder . This in fact is tantamount to most ungratefully and unmercifully hitting below the belt of the pro good governance masses .
The president on 13 th night provided an opportunity to ace rogues like Mahindananda and Wimal Weerawansa the ‘rabid dogs and rascals ’ of the Blue Brigade to indulge in claptraps (Balubana) and empty rhetoric via the Rupavahini news channel to be viewed by the pro good governance masses in order to lend support to the accusations made by these rascals ,rogues and scoundrels that the independent Commissions are pursuing political agendas when these Commissions in fact are the fruits of the hard fought struggle over decades launched by the law abiding civil population .
Consequently ,these rabid dogs and cunning wolves cashing in on President’s statement , went on barking and howling ‘ you saw , the president is saying what we said’ the whole of yesterday.
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Simon De Silva / October 21, 2016
Rajapakse is history.
Anyways, TELL me please who were educated enough among many of the represenatives had been appointed by MR administration ?
Not even 10% of the ambassadors were able candidates.
Nor were other candidates like his brother in law-former chairman of country s carrier – was just a play boy with all wasteful mind sets.
America – Jaliya W – a man with no qualifications but in TEA business, an US citizen, not even AL qualification, nor own he expected standards in English enough to respond to the forums/discussions between two nations – but it was good enough to the KING being an another COUSIN.
Then Udayayanga Weera orwijetunga – tell me what has he obtained to represent the nation ? His thuggish activities ruin the nation – but MR seems to know most update of the rascal – as press reported lately the way Udayanga accopanied MR to Thailand, Uganda or anywhere else he was lately.
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paddy / October 20, 2016
Why are all MR’s blood relations such blood suckers??
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sagara / October 20, 2016
If he is in hiding then its seems he is afraid of something. If he did not do anything, he would have come back to clear this up. These Rajapaksa’s and their relatives/friends seem to have been scratching each other’s backs, and made out like bandits, playing out the Sri Lankan people, and making the country poorer. Seize his assets, put out a warrant for his arrest, and do not let him get away. Too many of these crooks have got away, and they are not held accountable for these crimes. It is disappointing that with all the expertise and technical help, these filthy criminals who stole from this country cannot be brought to justice. In the future years we will learn that the present lot have done the same thing to us. When will these politicians ever do the right thing for the people of this country? They are all in it for themselves and their corrupt families.
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Sinchuappu / October 20, 2016
Where Rajaapakshe blood is related, there you will find anything to have gone fully wrong.
We failed to hear yet about his COUSIN former HIgh commissioner Jaliya W from the US, who is said to have done much harm than good in terms of Diplomatic relations between two countries; all the handlings of the bugger should also need to bring into light next days, nothing is heard sofar.
The companies that were hired to write his speeches and discussions were paid billions abusing lanken tax payers funds. All these as is the case with Srilanken airline bankrupsies, accumulated over the years. Ballige puthas in Rajaakshe family have done all diverse harm to this nation than any other leaders. But it to be interpreted as one who put the stop to lanken terror has now further been abused to overwrite his high profiles abuses – is really pathetic.
All we can say is to prodcue more HAY to supporters of Rajaakshes, They are provable 2 leg cows.
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Sagara / October 21, 2016
Jaliya W was totally unqualified to represent us. They removed a career diplomat in the US to replace him with a joker, who knew zero about being our representative to a big country. They placed him there so that he will follow instruction like a mindless puppet. Now look at the results. He had to be removed because of his corruption (he swindled millions of rupees) and incompetence. This is what happens when a ruling family practices nepotism – unqualified crooks are given top posts, and embarrasses us in the process. I guess he may know where certain ill gotten gains are stashed.
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Sama / October 21, 2016
To be honest, he was no means a match lanken diplomatic affairs.
His predecessors earned all sorta of credits as history proves. Just because a relative to MR who is said to have good business links having lived in the US over a decade or longer, to be qualified to be the ambassador in the most powerful nation representing poor but highly literate srilanka was no means acceptable but lankens living in the US well tolerated – seemed shut both orifices, as was compelled to do so. Us being in Europe had nothing much effective left to do. Had those lankens gone on protests, nothing would have gone that far. I noticed myself, not just once several dozens of times, the way Jaliya failed to respond in such forums in terms of the focus of the questions raised at him: So each occasiion ended up not having any tangible outcomes. Anyways, Rajaapkshes that bear the frog in a well mentality could not know beyond. They continue to live with paranoia theories but that was the stalemate reasons to collapse external affairs that way.
See today, EU countries praise the way lanka has achieved within last 18 months. So each any every country wants to make ties with the country. Like had been before, does not want to marginalize the country from the world map. All in all, we feel better and secure for the future, if Rajakashes would be kept away from lanken politics. Basta
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Samuel Jayaweera / October 21, 2016
Had our elders woken up from the grabs, they would have gone surprised the manner how they turn out to be. Those were the days, we had good diplomats, politicians in thecountry, but today, over 85% of all in the fields are thakkadiyas.
Rajaakshes era have shaped it up for all the rascals – giving them a life burying real candidates and their talents.
They have given rascals and their closemen than any qualified ones for the positions. That is where they have gone wrong.
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Gamini / October 20, 2016
What is happening to the 600 million fraud case committed by the other cousin Lalith Sil Reddaa Weeratunge by robbing Telecommunication Regulatory Commission funds? A highly publicized case was filed but the man is free as any body ,enjoying his millions with his mistress Indrani Sugathadasa.Yahapalanaya seems to be doing bloody well !!
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MrRetort / October 20, 2016
All this time, they were hiding the whales and sharks and hunting for sprats. I hope this not end up as an eyewash exercise. If properly investigated all patriotic Rajas and Paksuzs would be rounded up. There are a few who has jumped he sides living on the shoulders of the President also should be investigated. Just because he has a big mouth should not be spared.
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Shawn / October 20, 2016
Why it took so long just to issue an Interpol warrant? It proves FCID/CID is working on a political agenda. This is just happening when Dilrukhi Wickramasinghe is leaving the Bribery Commission. What is going on in Sri Lanka?
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thrishu / October 20, 2016
Karma Catching up! But again, I think it may be calling, “wolf, wolf!!”
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justicia / October 20, 2016
The delay in getting the Interpol warrant was that the courts did not issue it until indictment was filed. Even though the FCID requested for a warrant, the court said that he is still not an accused, and therefore refused to issue warrant. Court was satisfied only with issuing notice. Now that he has been indicted court had to issue a warrant.
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Douglas / October 20, 2016
Mr. Sam Fernand: I found an answer to your questions raised in your comment, while reading a book titled “Negotiating the Nonnegotiable” by David Shapiro. In that book he says: ” The rich are friendly with the rich; The powerful with the powerful and these informal networks are often a deciding factor who hold vaunted positions in formal hierarchies”. I think this “Rich” & “Powerful” are of a wide range who could fall into either corrupted, criminals, thugs, mafia, etc. OR the honest, law abiding, civil conscious, etc. Here in this case of issuing an “International Warrant” refers to the first category, I mentioned, i.e. the Corrupt, Criminal, Mafia who became rich and powerful that formed the “Hierarchies” of the MR Regime. Those “Hierarchies” still do exist at all levels in Politics and Governing and “Dismantling” that has become the biggest problem for the country and the people. That is why we see this “delay” and consequential “mess”.
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Kanda / October 20, 2016
So basically this case is going on 2 reporters 1. Iqbal Athas 2. Lasantha w.
well thats great.Is that the evidence
Hiding in plain sight !!!
Why not approach the company/government who sold these MIGs to SL and find out the actual cost/price and figure things.
This whole case sounds soo flimsy and not on facts.
Just Like the many comments here.
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Kugan / October 20, 2016
Weeratunga can come straight without fear our my3 make his case clean.he can change the judge courts witness….
Now what they are doing is clearing the names.Basil case was the latest he didn’t claim that property,as yoshith for Carlton money.its all belongs to some one or Sambandan.
What a pathatic
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Lone Wolf / October 20, 2016
FCID,
“The Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued a warrant to arrest Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is currently in hiding overseas.”
Congrats! You got it right this time.
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kuamaran / October 20, 2016
But then, Gota says he will serve well as President!
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shankar / October 21, 2016
finally it took the presidents outburst to do this long overdue deed.
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Concerned Citizen / October 21, 2016
Has CT started attacking Gota fearing his emergence as a possible presidential candidate? LOL the headline is an utter joke..
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Lankan / October 21, 2016
What is the point in arresting him, like in the case of Senathipathi, the courts should allow him to stay abroad for ever. Even if he is arrested, the yakapalanaya will not take any action and as per their deal with Rajapakses’ they will find a way not to take action against him. If any officer takes action he or she will be made to resign as well. Here ends the case.
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meloney / October 21, 2016
Please do not sweep this under the carpet as many other matters. Show us the end result.
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jim softy / October 21, 2016
[Edited out]
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AJ / October 21, 2016
They edited out your comment. Let me post it for you: “some LTTE political prisoners have been released, but Buddhist monks arrested for rape and ‘unlawfully digging treasures’ are still in the jail. Shame on the current government.”
Are you happy now?
Your friend,
AJ
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Serious Sira / October 21, 2016
Dear reader!
Did these MIGs do the job? If ‘Yes’, please forget the rest; all governments prior to the Rajapaksas too imported arms and ammunition in the name of Eelam war and got a percentage of millions of $$$$$$$. It is not a secret. But there is a difference here; Gota finished the job; if his first cousins had made money out of the MIG deal overseas let them keep it because they had negotiated a good deal for the Air force to have good fighter jets to do the job.
As far as Gota is concerned I would like to mention this. When the fight against Tigers was in full swing, if Gota had asked all Sri Lankans: “I’ll finish the war against Tigers, but I would like to keep just one MIG as a souvenir for myself after the war; will you allow me to do it?” We would have said all in one voice: “Yes, sir! Go ahead, finish the job, and keep all of them (not just one), a few warships and some armed cars too as souvenirs; all the MIGS are for you for sure. We don’t want them back. You are their rightful owner since you have finished the job and saved Mother Lanka. Actually this is not enough; we and our future generations are indebted to you forever. Thank you so much”.
Now what has happened? There are so many to ask so many questions after questions after questions. Where were they when Gota and army commanders were fighting the deadly battle?
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Serious Sira / October 21, 2016
Dear reader!
Did these MIGs do the job? If ‘Yes’, please forget the rest; all governments prior to the Rajapaksas too imported arms and ammunitions in the name of Eelam war and got a percentage of millions of $$$$$$$. It is not a secret. But there is a difference here; Gota finished the job; if his first cousins had made money out of the MIG deal overseas let them keep it because they had negotiated a good deal for the Air force to have good fighter jets to do the job.
As far as Gota is concerned I would like to mention this. When the fight against Tigers was in full swing, if Gota had asked all Sri Lankans: “I’ll finish the war against Tigers, but I would like to keep just one MIG as a souvenir for myself after the war; will you allow me to do it?” We would have said all in one voice: “Yes, sir! Go ahead, finish the job, and keep all of them (not just one), a few warships and some armed cars too as souvenirs; all the MIGS are for you for sure. We don’t want them back. You are their rightful owner since you have finished the job and saved Mother Lanka. Actually this is not enough; we and our future generations are indebted to you forever. Thank you so much”.
Now what has happened? There are so many to ask so many questions after questions after questions. Where were they when Gota and army commanders were fighting the deadly battle?
And also see the new development in the Phillipines as reported by the CNN today:
“America has lost now,” Duterte said at a business forum Thursday during a four-day state visit to Beijing. “I’ve realigned myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world — China, Philippines and Russia. It’s the only way.”
It seems that current Yahapalana leaders of Sri Lanka can sign more lucrative deals for fighter jets with the US air force in the near future!
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Adrian / October 21, 2016
Wasting peoples’ time.
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Vaachalaya / October 21, 2016
A NATION’S GREATNESS DEPENDS ON ITS LEADER
To vastly improve our country and truly make it great again, we have to start by choosing a better leader in the year at the Presidential elections in year 2020. Do not let the media or the establishment make you pick from the people they choose, but instead choose from those they do not pick. Pick a leader from among the people who is heart-driven, one who identifies with the common man on the street and understands what the country needs on every level. Do not pick a leader who is only money-driven, Nepotism and does not understand or identify with the common man.
Pick a peacemaker. One who unites, not divides. A cultured leader who supports the arts and true freedom of speech, not censorship. Pick a leader who will fund schools, not limit spending on education. Pick a leader who chooses diplomacy over war. An honest broker in foreign relations. A leader with integrity, one who says what they mean, keeps their word and does not lie to their people. Pick a leader who is strong and confident, yet humble. Intelligent, but not sly. A leader who encourages diversity, not racism. One who understands the needs of the farmer, the teacher, the doctor, and the environmentalist. A TRUE LEADER WHO DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTIONS OF THE JUDICIARY OR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS (AVANT GARDE) requires such cases shall be dealt with speedily and effectively and the delay in dispensing justice, naturally tantamount to the violation of the Constitution. Although it is very unfortunate, this is what the people of Sri Lanka experience in reality.
As srilankans we have to Choose a leader who will invest in building bridges, Books, not weapons. Morality, not corruption. Intellectualism and wisdom, not ignorance. Stability, not fear and terror. Peace, not chaos. Love, not hate. Convergence, not segregation. Tolerance, not discrimination. Fairness, not hypocrisy. Substance, not superficiality. Character, not immaturity. Transparency, not secrecy. Justice, not lawlessness. Environmental improvement and preservation, not destruction. Truth, not lies.
Most importantly, a great leader must serve the best interests of the people first, Human life should never be sacrificed for monetary profit. There are no exceptions. In addition, a leader should always be open to criticism, not silencing dissent. Any leader who does not tolerate criticism from the public is afraid of their dirty hands to be revealed under heavy light. And such a leader is dangerous, because they only feel secure in the darkness. Only a leader who is free from corruption welcomes scrutiny; for scrutiny allows a good leader to be an even greater leader.
And lastly, pick a leader who will make their citizens proud. One who will stir the hearts of the people, so that the sons and daughters of a given nation strive to emulate their leader’s greatness. Only then will a nation be truly great, when a leader inspires and produces citizens worthy of becoming future leaders, honorable decision makers and peacemakers. And in these times, a great leader must be extremely brave. Their leadership must be steered only by their conscience, not a bribe.”
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Mudson Silva. / October 21, 2016
VAACHALYA! OH MY GOD SUPERB COMMENT OF THE DECADE.
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justice / October 21, 2016
Vaachalaya,
You are dreaming of a beautiful paradise called Sri Lanka.
But, carry on – all of us are entitled to dream, else, we all end up in the loony-bin.
I hope that the new constitution will do away with dreams, and deal with hard realities.
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Seelawathie Jayasinghe / October 21, 2016
Vachalya,
so, do you think we have any candidates that could fulfil all of at least half of the creteria would fit ?
So best is to give the order to Monstanto for a genetically modified candidate for srilanka s future. So Utopic :(
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Annesley Dias / October 21, 2016
A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others so that they may have the strength to stand on their own.
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